Glossary

Carbonic Maceration

/kar-BON-ik mass-er-AY-shun/

Whole-grape fermentation in CO2, producing fruity wines.

Winemaking

Full Definition

Carbonic maceration ferments whole, uncrushed grapes in a carbon dioxide-rich environment. Intracellular fermentation within the berry creates distinctive fruity, candy-like flavors with low tannin. It's the traditional Beaujolais method, producing the famous Beaujolais Nouveau style. Semi-carbonic maceration partially crushes grapes.

Related Terms

beaujolaisgamaywhole cluster

See Also

macerationfermentation
CapsuleBack to GlossaryCarignan

Reference

More terms starting with C

Canopy Management

Techniques to control vine leaf and shoot growth.

Capsule

The foil or plastic covering over a wine bottle's cork.

Cava

Spanish sparkling wine made by traditional method.

Cellaring

Storing wine under proper conditions for aging.

Chai

French term for an above-ground wine storage building.

Champagne

Sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France.